As Muzzammil Hassan arrived in Orchard Park for his court appearance security was extremely tight. There were extra police officers on hand, along with a K-9 unit, and everyone heading into court was searched. Hassan is accused of stabbing and beheading his wife, 37 year old Aasiya Hassan at the Bridges television station in Orchard Park Thursday night.
It's a crime some have dubbed, an honor killing, tied to the couples muslim faith. It's a notion Hassan's attorney says is insulting. "These questions about culture and religion, I think are very inappropriate. I think the media would be better served to let that go," said defense attorney Jim Harrington.
Nadia Shahram was an attorney for the Bridges station and says the couple was in the midst of a divorce. She says it is a shameful thing in the muslim religion. But she believes the death was not linked to faith but to what she claims is the couples history of domestic violence.
Hassan's case will presented to a grand jury. He will likely face 2nd degree murder charges. If convicted he faces 15 years to life in prison.
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